The First PICO Central America Delegation is a Reality

Eight PICO USA staff and leaders shared an intensive two-week immersion in PICO Central America’s work in Guatemala and El Salvador from August 2-16, 2012.  They met with leaders, church representatives (including bishops in both countries) and public officials, and witnessed the work of Local Organizing Committees firsthand in Antigua, Guatemala and the Diocese of Zacatecoluca, El Salvador.

The valiant travelers also enjoyed a couple sightseeing opportunities—the Mayan ruins at Iximche in Guatemala and Joya de Ceren in El Salvador, as well as a day of reflection at the beach!  They increased their historical and socio-economic analysis through visits to the tomb of Archbishop Romero, the site of the massacre at the Jesuit University in San Salvador in 1989, and conversations with refugees, war combatants and maquila (garment sweatshop) workers.

Participants returned to the states with a better understanding of PICO’s organizing work in Central America and built stronger connections with our sisters and brothers to the south who are improving their communities through organizing.  Watch for updates directly from the PICO delegates on PICO’s social media sites!

Participants in this first PICO Central America delegation include: CCISCO Organizers Teresa Flores and Claudia Jimenez, CCISCO leader Violeta Tapia, ICUC Organizer Elizabeth Ayala, CCO & MO Faith Voices Executive Director Eva Schulte, PACT San Jose Lead Organizer Jennifer Wood-Taylor and Founding Director/PICO International Director Fr. John Baumann.  The delegation was organized by PICO Central America Executive Director, Alberto Velasquez, and Patty Lawless (organizer with Together Colorado & Project Coordinator for Project Salvador), with the PICO organizing staff in Guatemala and El Salvador.

Sign up now for PICO Central America Delegation 2013!  Watch for PICO Rwanda Delegation coming soon!